Texas Ponders Who Will Replace a Governor Who Shook Up Higher Education

Photo by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr

Gov. Rick Perry of Texas (shown speaking at a conference in Washington in 2011) says he won't run again in 2014. Mr. Perry, who took office in 2000, has pressed policies that treat colleges like businesses.

Gov. Rick Perry of Texas (shown speaking at a conference in Washington in 2011) says he won't run again in 2014. Mr. Perry, who took office in 2000, has pressed policies that treat colleges like businesses.

By Katherine Mangan

The nation's longest-serving sitting governor, who appointed
every current college and university regent across Texas while
pushing for cheaper degrees and a more business-oriented approach
toward higher education, announced on Monday that he would not seek
a fourth term.

Gov. Rick Perry's announcement prompted speculation about what
changes a new governor might bring to a state where battles over
the proper balance of research and teaching have been waged
alongside disputes over the